Which is still in theme with his character arc since day one in some ways. The movie had some flaws (chiefly dispatching Snoke so quickly and with no buildup) but it's underrated in my book. Had Rian done TFA in tandem with Abrams, we'd probably be better off. No half-baked mystery boxes that we know would never get properly addressed if not at all, better villains (Benecio Del Toro was perfectly cast), Phasma being more than just Star Wars' version of Kenny who dies in every episode (as in TLJ her death isn't used as comic relief), no blatant copying (TLJ had some big homage but nothing stuck out as badly as TFA) Abrams is a first rate producer but he needs to have a co-writer and they'd nail every aspect. Like a certain Lucas/Spielbeg. Or Grant/Naylor.
Hux might lose, and quickly, but it would be interesting if not fun to see. I can't see Kylo turning good. Was hoping Rey would turn evil and join him, but that would have been too novel and creative a curveball.
But with taking big character risks, there's always a number in the audience that will hate it no matter what. Just like with what happened to Luke (whose demise is at least far more interesting, compelling, and of greater depth than what Captain Kirk got in "Generations".)It'd be sweet in IX to see Finn develop his light saber skills and show some growth. Not sure what made me think of that, but TFA wasn't without some worthy scenes and the brief confrontation between him and Ren was pretty worthwhile.
